Chapter 8 An Outing With the Family

• "Stay quiet and wait for my boss to come. Who do you think you are to ask questions?"
• Seeing Landon so arrogant, Harrison’s killing intent surged. Walter could only sigh internally—there were truly too many arrogant people in this world. Couldn’t they see the Serpent Order uniform Harrison was wearing? Clearly, they had lived long enough.
• "You must have a dead wish!" As expected, Harrison spat out two words and immediately attacked.
• Twenty minutes later, Stephan entered the auction hall. Instantly, Landon and his men all dropped to one knee in unison, respectfully greeting him.
• "Greetings, Sir."
• At this single scene, Walter and his guards all gasped. A man like Landon, who had taken down Harrison with just one move, was now kneeling. Just who was this man, and how powerful could he be?
• Without even glancing at the barely conscious Harrison on the ground, Stephan walked straight to Walter.
• "My time is limited. You have five minutes. I want to know everything about the people involved in the auctioning of the little girl yesterday."
• Walter swallowed nervously. Even though Stephan did not radiate any particular threat, his legs grew weak without him even realizing it. He hurriedly ordered his men to gather the information.
• At this point, Stephan finally looked at Harrison. "Go back and tell your leader that if the Serpent Order dares to come at me again, I’ll wipe them out."
• Harrison was utterly shocked, all the arrogance from before gone. He had been easily beaten by just one of Stephan’s subordinates. He was sure that Stephan was serious about the warning.
• Gathering the last of his strength, Harrison stood, bowed to Stephan, and limped out of the hall.
• In just three minutes, Stephan received all the information he wanted. A cold glint flashed across his eyes. He was going to make sure that the future of Matthew and the head of the Hart family would be filled with constant fear and dread.
• "Landon, send everyone involved in my daughter’s auction to the afterlife."
• "Yes, Sir."
• Even after Stephan left, Walter's shock had not faded. He had already made up his mind that Edward’s death would be the end of it. He had no desire to provoke this mysterious man any further.
• Back at home, Stephan smiled when he saw Isabelle and Lily peacefully sleeping. His eyes were filled with contentment. This was everything he would now dedicate his life to protecting.
• The next morning, after breakfast, since William had taken the car to secure business deals for the brick factory, Stephan and his family had to take a cab to the mall.
• After they arrived and got out of the cab, Stephan lifted Lily onto his shoulders. She was overjoyed. "Daddy, it’s been so long since I got new clothes. I’m so happy!"
• Pinching little legs gently, Stephan spoke softly, "From now on, whatever you want, I will make sure you have it."
• Isabelle, meanwhile, affectionately linked her arm with Stephan’s, her face filled with happiness. A child’s growth is deeply connected to the loving bond between their parents. Even though children might not fully understand it, the warmth leaves a lasting impression in their mind.
• So even though she hadn’t forgiven Stephan, Isabelle didn’t hold back on showing affection in front of Lily.
• As they entered a shopping mall, Isabelle frowned slightly and whispered, "This mall only sells luxury brands. Why are we shopping here?"
• The Hart family as a whole had some wealth, but her own family was tight on finances. The cheap suburban villa they lived in wasn’t even fully paid off yet. Luxury items had been out of her reach for a long time.
• "Don't worry, I am rich. After we buy things for Lily, we’ll go shopping for you too. These past few years, you’ve had it really hard raising our daughter alone."
• Without saying anything more, Isabelle thought perhaps Stephan had saved up some money during his years in the military. Seeing how happy Lily was, she relented. So what if it was extravagant? They owed their daughter after all these years.
• Upon entering the kids' zone of a Burberry store, Lily immediately wriggled out of Stephan’s arms. "Daddy, put me down. I’m a big girl now and can pick out my own clothes."
• With a doting smile, Stephan gently set her down. "Alright, you are a big girl now. You can choose whatever you like."
• Just then, his phone rang, and as he answered it, Isabelle quickly followed after Lily.
• Seeing it was an automated call from the telco, Stephan hung up right away, but suddenly, the sound of a loud slap and a vicious insult rang out.
• "Whose child is this to push my son? Where are her parents? Get over here!"
• Stephan’s heart raced, leaping into his throat. Even though there was only one row of clothing racks between him and the source of the voice, it felt like an ocean’s distance. In a single stride, he was at the scene.